After taking heat (from this blog as well as many other commentators) about his slavery-free Confederate History Month, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell apologized and amended his proclamation to include a fairer treatment of the underlying cause of secession and the Civil War.
WHEREAS, it is important for all Virginians to understand that the institution of slavery led to this war and was an evil and inhumane practice that deprived people of their God-given inalienable rights and all Virginians are thankful for its permanent eradication from our borders, and the study of this time period should reflect upon and learn from this painful part of our history.
I applaud the Governor for having the self-respect to admit and correct his error, instead of making political hay out of being criticized by the PC Left. I think it's especially important that the proclamation notes that the Civil War and slavery were a "painful part of our history." There needs to be serious, institutional pushback, against the valorization of the Confederacy. The Confederate Flag (actually the Confederate battle flag - the "stars and bars" was the national flag) was the symbol of treason, of tearing up the Constitution. It was carried by an armed rebellion that fought the US army and tore down the American flag when it captured Fort Sumter. 150 years later, we shouldn't be in a position such as that of one of my readers, who reports on Facebook that his vacation is being ruined by Confederate Flag beach towels.
No comments:
Post a Comment